In the news: a popular Italian restaurant in Denver is in a legal battle with another of a similar name in Boston. There’s a bourbon release we can’t wait to try, and a new savory latte that’s either brilliant, deviant, or a heavenly combination of the two. Also check out a new foodie zine on the market, and a couple must-visit pop-ups.
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The 411
Shaved Ice Go Time
Kakigori Ken is back starting August 15 at The Source Hotel Market in RiNo. The shaved ice hot spot was started by chef Kenta Kamo of Temaki Den, which is located in the same space. The limited-time pop-up features a classic Japanese shaved ice dessert, with a Colorado flare.
Grab This Local Bourbon Before It’s Too Late
Branch & Barrel Distilling out of Centennial just released news of Batch 35, part of its 5-Year Colorado Straight Bourbon series, and one of four batches released each year. This iteration garnered the nicknamed “Mitch’s Blend” after master blender Mitchell Nester.
The spirit features all local grain and Arapahoe Aquifer water, which comes from an underground reservoir filtered through sandstone and shale. Find Batch 35 now at retailers across Colorado and at the Centennial tasting room.
It’s Giving Mother
Chef Caroline Glover of Annette and Traveling Mercies in Aurora, photographer Dan Richard, Nelson Harvey, and Julianna Beckert have launched the first edition of their zine, Mother Sauce. Described as a loose journal about running the restaurant and cocktail bar mixed with recipes, thoughts, and great pics, the zine is now available at the restaurants and online.
What’s in a Tavern
In local news, Westword reported that Tavernetta in Denver is suing La Tavernetta by Mida in Boston. The goal of the injunction is to force the Boston restaurant to change the name and all signs, gear, and marketing material sporting it. Tavernetta’s parent group, Frasca Hospitality Group, hired trademark company IP Holdings LLC, which has also issued a request for the website domain to be handed over and damages to be paid.
Pop-Up Alert
Fans of Cheyenne Langis rejoice! News is the current Dio Mio chef is back with her Stuzzi pop-up, coming to Urban Cowboy and the Monarch space August 11 and 12, from 4 to 11 p.m. Find out what the hype is all about and try the chef’s Italian small plates soon.
Colorado Proud, but in Spanish
In honor of the state’s 150th anniversary of becoming the 38th state of the union on August 1, 1876, the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Colorado Proud program released news of a Spanish-language version of the logo.
The organization wrote that, “This strategic expansion is designed to better serve Colorado’s diverse business community, unlock new domestic and international commercial opportunities, and connect local producers with a rapidly growing consumer base.”
While the aim is to honor Hispanic heritage in the state and the countless farmers, ranchers, and agriculture workers who speak the language is admirable, one has to wonder why it wasn’t in Spanish before. Appropriately, the launch of the logo also coincides with August’s Colorado Proud Month.
On the Menu
Everything Bagel Latte
Yes, you heard that right. Philadelphia and Ziggi’s Coffee have just launched the Everything Bagel Latte, a collaboration found at over 120 participating Ziggi’s Coffee locations nationwide. Just like it sounds, the morning pick-me-up includes Philadelphia Cream Cheese, tahini, vanilla, espresso, whipping cream, milk, and a dash of everything bagel seasoning. Would you try it?
Oktoberfest Returns
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse brings Oktoberfest back starting August 6. Try this traditional, toasty German-style amber lager, which has won numerous awards and remains a fall staple since BJ’s first brewed it in 1997. In honor of the launch, guests can get $1 off drafts of Oktoberfest during happy hour (Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m., and Sunday through Thursday from 9 p.m. to close).
August is For Sandwiches
Leven Deli celebrates National Sandwich Month in August with a throwback to one of its most popular sandwiches: egg salad. The housemade egg salad comes laden with capers and chives, and served on the deli’s signature sourdough bread for just $15.
Don’t Miss This Week
Need some dining out recommendations? Try these three hot spots, and make sure to check out the week’s events.
Wednesday: After looking over chef Cindhura Reddy’s soup recipe, I’m longing to get back to Spuntino in Highland. It’s one of the best restaurants in town, and truly special.
Thursday: Time to head to the theater again, and Spamalot is now playing at the DCPA. What’s a girl to do but order the steak frites at Olive & Finch, conveniently located right at the bottom of the center.
Friday: Did you catch chef Kevin Grossi’s takeover on our Instagram feed last week? All I’ve wanted since then is fried chicken. Bonus, the chef will be slinging the bird at Chicken Fight! next week in Denver!
